Over 300 foreign and Indian defence equipment firms have confirmed participation in the Aero India air show that begins in Bangalore from February 9, a defence ministry official said on Monday.

"We are expecting over 325 companies to participate in this air show. Over 300 firms have booked space in the exhibition, up from about 250 in 2003," defence exhibition organisation joint director, Sqn Ldr R K Dhingra said.

About 250 global companies, including 70 from India, had taken part in the Aero India 2003. He said the Indian participation has grown up to 125 defence equipment companies in the current event.

Dhingra said some of the biggest names in aerospace industry like Boeing Corp, Lockheed Martin and Sukhoi Design Bureau, among others, will take part in the event, where Indian defence firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd may make some new announcements.

"The defence ministry has invested over Rs 40 crore (Rs 400 million) in upgrading the infrastructure, relaying and expanding the runway to 7,500 feet for handling bigger aircraft. This infrastructure will be used by the Indian Air Force after the event," he said.

Dhingra said a new hangar with about 4,200 sq metres has been built for the additional space requirement.